The McDowell Hospital implemented a revised Immunization Policy on Aug. 15 that makes flu shots mandatory for staff this coming fall.
As part of the Mission Health System, The McDowell Hospital is joining John Hopkins Health System, Loyola University Health System, Moses Cone and Wake Med in instituting the mandatory flu vaccination for all employees.
Last year, 82 percent of McDowell’s staff received the seasonal flu vaccines offered.
Infection Control/Employee Health Specialist and Registered Nurse Kendall Greenway said, “Healthy persons who are infected with the influenza virus can transmit that virus to people who are at higher risk for complications from the flu. Because getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against contracting the flu, mandatory flu vaccines for our employees is McDowell Hospital’s way of protecting our employees and our community.”
Every year in the United States, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. About 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.
The McDowell Hospital does not want to add to the problem by spreading a disease that is easily preventable through a simple, once-yearly immunization, stated a press release.
There are a few exemptions: McDowell staff members may decline the flu shot for religious or medical reasons.
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